Letters: Utility tax | Green energy | Higher ideal | Ending violence | No good choice

Mercury News Letters to the Editor for May 23, 2024

Submit your letter to the editor via this form. Read more Letters to the Editor.

AI’s dangers need
regulation by state

As AI continues to drive groundbreaking advances, we must carefully consider its implications. Where should we draw the line? There must be a limit to who’s accessing it, who’s creating it, and how it’s implemented. There is an undeniable risk of AI being used maliciously.

When talking about AI, we are not talking about algorithms; the crux of the issue lies with programs like ChatGPT, Voice.AI and MidJourney. These platforms have the capability to alter real-world images and videos, presenting unique challenges and risks. Many cases of AI-generated revenge porn have already been reported. High-profile people like the president of the United States also aren’t safe; they can be made to appear saying or doing things they never did through “deepfake” technology.

I encourage all of us to pressure our legislators to address the undeniable dangers AI possesses. We can do it.

Maya Velasco
San Jose

Legislators are siding
with PG&E on utility tax

Once again, ratepayers rebelling against a regressive utility tax were disregarded as members of the Assembly Appropriations Committee sided with the utilities — led by PG&E and committee Chairperson Buffy Wicks, D-Oakland — and voted down the compromise in AB 1999. Only two Assemblymembers, Gail Pellerin and Tim Grayson, voted yes on AB 1999 to stop the big utility tax. They are rare examples of bravery in a sea of cowardice and corruption.

Instead of facing a capped $24-a-month utility tax, ratepayers will be at the mercy of the utilities who favored and won an uncapped utility tax. Four million ratepayers will see immediate bill increases, and this is just the beginning.

State legislators have three months to pass legislation to stop the big utility tax. I encourage everyone to write, call or visit their legislators’ offices and tell them they must stop this utility tax or face the consequences at the polls.

Rebecca Elliot
San Jose

Bay Area must expand
green energy policies

I am writing to advocate for more renewable green energy in our city. The Bay Area, known for its high commuter population, faces significant air pollution challenges. To combat climate change and improve air quality, we must promote policies that incentivize the adoption of electric vehicles and the installation of solar panels on homes and buildings.

Encouraging homeowners and building owners to install solar panels can significantly reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. Additionally, increasing the availability of EV chargers will make electric cars more accessible and practical for daily use. These initiatives will not only reduce emissions but also create a cleaner and healthier environment for all residents.

It is crucial for our community to take proactive steps toward a sustainable future. By implementing these green energy policies, we can lead the way in combating climate change and preserving our environment for future generations.

Francisco Manzo
San Jose

Gaza war shows we
need a higher ideal

Re: “Bay Area nurse recalls horror, heartbreak of mission in Gaza” (May 20).

Whether isolationist or institutionalist, humanity has one thing in common; we all seek to leave behind a better world for our children. The recent International Criminal Court arrest warrants against both Israeli and Hamas leaders highlight a global imperative: 21st century humanity with our near-constant access to information will no longer tolerate crimes against humanity. It is time for us to level up and say no to systematic starvation and brutality against all humanity. We can and must strive for a higher ideal.

Akeem Mostamandy
San Jose

Ending Gaza violence
imperative for both sides

As the war in Gaza rages on, the main victims are children. Imagine a lack of food and water, the absence of school and play, and the loss of family members.

Israel and Hamas should rethink peace talks. People will become apathetic about the war over time, and these two forces need to act quickly, release hostages and end the war.

Ce McGettigan
San Jose

Biden is no better
a choice than Trump

Re: “Trump must not return to the White House” (Page A6, May 22).

Rameysh Ramdas describes Joe Biden as “decent and honorable.” This is an odd view of a man who directly enables genocide and foments hot wars with nuclear-armed Russia and China.

Rather than being decent and honorable, Biden is an angry and dangerous man who lives in the past and is seemingly clueless to the dangers to the American people of his aggressive foreign policy. Biden is not a desirable alternative to Donald Trump.

If this nation cannot find alternatives to both Biden and Trump it deserves the hell that will most assuredly come its way.

Anthony Stegman
San Jose